‘Out of many, one’ It’s the sentiment he’s repeated since the moment the world was first introduced to Senator Barack Obama at the 2004 Democratic convention. It’s the idea trailblazers before him have used to inspire a generation of people to a call to action--to shake things up and remind us of what’s possible when the American people come together to help one another in achieving bigger dreams. Barack has awakened in many of us the notion that we can again be hopeful, enabling us to believe that we are capable of lifting our brothers and sisters out of poverty, of providing quality education for all our children, of ending this unjust war in Iraq and bringing our troops home safely. He’s reminded us ‘yes we can’…we can make the transition from fossil fuels to green energy; we can take care of our elderly and make sure that good healthcare is not just a perk for a few, but a right for every man, woman and child. We are experiencing not just a presidential campaign, but a movement; a movement of inspired young people who have been cynical about politics for too long. For Barack, hope, change, believe…they are not just words. They are tangible ideas that make up the blueprint to building a better America for all of us. He is committed to making the road stronger for those that come after and to leaving behind something that lasts longer than his own spotlight. It’s for all these reasons that I support Barack Obama for President and look forward to November when I can make my voice heard along with millions of other Americans. I hope you’ll join me.

What a flailing lack of integrity amongst all of them. Harry Belafonte should have whipped their butts a long time ago anyway....and to think they had George Bush sitting UP HIGH at their mother's funeral.....shame....shame..shame!!!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Conviction Overturned for Jailed Black Panther in “Angola 3” CaseAnd a federal judge has overturned a murder conviction for an ex-Black Panther who spent more than three decades in solitary confinement. Albert Woodfox and two other former Black Panthers are known as the Angola Three. Many believe they were framed for their political activism. A judge ruled this week Woodfox’s lawyer failed to properly challenge the credibility of witnesses who later admitted they were coerced into falsely testifying.

An American war deserter could have a valid claim forrefugee status in Canada, the Federal Court ruled onFriday.

In a decision that may have an impact on dozens ofrefugee claimants in Canada, Federal Court JusticeRobert Barnes said Canada's refugee board erred byrejecting the asylum bid of Joshua Key. He ordered thata new panel reconsider the application.

Key was sent to Iraq in 2003 as a combat engineer foreight months where he said he was responsible fornighttime raids on private Iraqi homes, which includedsearching for weapons.

He alleged that during his time in Iraq he witnessedseveral cases of abuse, humiliation, and looting by theU.S. army.

When Key was back in the U.S on a two-week leave, hesaid he was suffering from debilitating nightmares andthat he couldn't return. A military lawyer told himthat he could either return to Iraq or face prison.

Instead, Key took his family to Canada and applied forrefugee status.

While the immigration board concluded that some of thealleged conduct by the U.S military included a"disturbing level of brutality," it said the conductdid not meet the definition of a war crime or a crimeagainst humanity.

Barnes said the board erred "by concluding that refugeeprotection for military deserters and evaders is onlyavailable where the conduct objected to amounts to awar crime, a crime against peace or a crime againsthumanity."

Citing a case from the U.S. Federal Court of Appeal,Barnes said officially condoned military misconductcould still support a refugee claim, even if it fallsshort of a war crime.

"The authorities indicate that military action whichsystematically degrades, abuses or humiliates eithercombatants or non-combatants is capable of supporting arefugee claim where that is the proven reason forrefusing to serve," Barnes wrote.

Barnes said the board imposed a legal standard that was"too restrictive" on Key, who lives in Saskatchewan.

Key's lawyer, Jeffry House, said the ruling expands asoldier's right to refuse military service.

"It's a huge victory for numerous soldiers who are hereand maybe others who are thinking of coming here,"House said.

A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Diane Finleysaid they were reviewing the court decision.

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Portside aims to provide material of interestto people on the left that will help them tointerpret the world and to change it.

Monday, July 07, 2008

Over my head, I hear music in the air; over my head, I hear music in the air; over my head, I hear music in the air; there must be a God somewhere.

1. Leader: Oh, when the world is silent, People: Hmm, I hear music in the air; Leader: oh, when the world is silent, People: hmm, I hear music in the air; Leader: Oh, when the world is silent, People: hmm, I hear music in the air; All: there must be a God somewhere. (Refrain)

2. Leader: And when I'm feeling lonely, People: Hmm, I hear music in the air; Leader: and when I'm feeling lonely, People: hmm, I hear music in the air; Leader: and when I'm feeling lonely, People: hmm, I hear music in the air; All: there must be a God somewhere. (Refrain)

3. Leader: Now when I think on Jesus, People: Hmm, I hear music in the air; Leader: now when I think on Jesus, People: hmm, I hear music in the air; Leader: now when I think on Jesus, People: hmm, I hear music in the air; All: there must be a God somewhere.

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About Me

I am 28 years old, having completed my Master's degree in American Studies at Purdue University in 2005. A native of Chicago, I have lived in Indiana and Alabama. I am an activist, have a life-long pursuit of knowledge,and am a writer who looks forward to being published someday.